White ribbons say no to violence against women

An international campaign to highlight and challenge violence against women and girls is aiming to ‘Orange the World’.

The Voluntary Action Fund (VAF) will promote and support the 16 Days of Activism to End Violence Against Women and Girls until December 10, which is also Human Rights Day.

During the 16 days VAF staff will be wearing orange and giving out white ribbons.

These ribbons are part of the White Ribbon Pledge, which means people agree to never ‘commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women’.

Maggie Gardiner, Programme Manager for the Violence against Women and Girls team at VAF said: “This year in Scotland there were 59,882 incidents of domestic abuse reported to the police. 79% of those were situations where women were the victims and men the perpetrators of the abuse.

“During many of these incidents, mostly home-based, children were present.

“We support over 100 projects and organisations across Scotland to tackle all forms of violence against women, grant-funding them with more than £9 million via the Scottish Government.

“These organisations work on the front line directly with vulnerable women, children and young people, helping them recover and rebuild their lives after experiencing violence and abuse.

“Police Scotland has also seen an increase in sexual crime reporting, including rape and sexual assault, to the highest level since 1971.

“We ask you to join with us and show solidarity by wearing orange and taking the White Ribbon Pledge.”